West Indies Academy secured a 2-1 series win against Emerging Ireland in the 50-over leg of their tour.
The decisive third match saw the WI Academy outclassing the visitors by six wickets, capping off a riveting contest that showcased outstanding performances on both sides.
The Irish innings found stability in the hands of Stephen Doheny, who played a pivotal role with his resilient knock of 64 runs.
Doheny’s innings comprised six well-timed fours, but the WI Academy’s bowlers, led by Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Bishop, and Kevin Wickham, proved to be relentless.
The trio snared three wickets each, ultimately restricting Emerging Ireland to a total of 175 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 176 for the series victory, the WI Academy exhibited a composed batting display. Matthew Nandu emerged as the anchor, delivering an unbeaten 63 that included three boundaries.
Skipper Nyeem Young, however, stole the show with an explosive innings of 75 not out, smashing eight boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership guided the Academy to a convincing victory, securing the series triumph in style.
The summarized scores tell the tale of a closely contested match: Despite Doheny’s efforts, emerging Ireland could only manage 175 all out in 43.4 overs.
The WI Academy responded with a resilient 179 for 4 in 40.3 overs, showcasing the depth and determination in their batting lineup.
The bowling heroes for the WI Academy were Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Bishop, and Kevin Wickham, each contributing significantly to dismantling the opposition.
Nedd’s figures of 3/28 in 9 overs, Bishop’s 3/32 in 10 overs, and Wickham’s 3/42 in 8.4 overs reflected their crucial role in restricting Emerging Ireland to a manageable total.
In the pursuit of victory, Nyeem Young’s captaincy shone through as he anchored the run chase with a blistering innings. His unbeaten 75, accompanied by Nandu’s steady 63, showcased a perfect blend of aggression and composure.
The Emerging Ireland bowlers, led by M. Humphreys with 2/52, tried to make inroads, but the Academy’s batting proved too formidable.
With the 50-over leg now concluded, both teams will shift their focus to the red ball leg of the tour, anticipating two intense 4-day games.
The series win for the WI Academy not only marks a significant achievement but also sets the stage for an intriguing battle in the longer format, promising cricket enthusiasts more captivating moments in the days to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
